Franciscan Health Doc Pod

How does robotic shoulder replacement actually work for a patient? Bernardo Israel Yahuaca, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon with Franciscan Physician Network and Medical Director Franciscan Health Orthopedic Service Line explains the Mako system’s CT-based 3D planning, how a robotic arm guides drills and saws, and the “stoplight” or wiggle-room controls that prevent over-reaming. Listeners will learn how preop CT, personalized surgical plans, and in‑room robotic guidance translate planning into more precise implant placement.

Should I be screened for breast or lung cancer, and what should I expect? Meghana Raghavendra, MD, Board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist practicing at Franciscan Health, walks through the Pink and Pearl awareness campaign and practical screening guidance. She cites that nearly one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about one in 17 with lung cancer, explains mammogram recommendations (start at 40, annual, continue through ~74; add MRI/ultrasound for high risk), and details LDCT lung screening (age 50–80, 20 pack‑year history, current smokers or quit within 15 years, with Franciscan offering screening beyond that time cap). She reviews key risk factors—BRCA and family history, dense breasts, prior chest radiation, smoking, second‑hand and occupational exposures—and reminders that mammograms can detect changes up to two years before a lump is palpable. The episode also covers patient concerns about stigma, why screening is quick and painless, and prevention steps like quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising, testing homes for radon, and advocating for any breast or lung symptoms with your provider. 

Learn more about Dr. Raghavendra, visit FranciscanDocs.org and search her name. 

Worried your leg heaviness, swelling, or visible veins mean something more? Adam Hicks, MD, Board-certified vascular surgeon with Franciscan Health, and Cassie Himes, NP, Board-certified Nurse Practitioner, explain when to seek evaluation for venous disease. They describe common symptoms (aching, swelling, end-of-day heaviness), risk factors like pregnancy and prolonged standing, how office ultrasound identifies reflux, and when lifestyle measures or procedural treatment may be recommended.

When should I be referred for heart care during cancer treatment? Roland Njei, MD, board-certified cardiologist who specializes in Cardio-Oncology and practices at Franciscan Health, explains when a referral helps. Learn which baseline risk factors (blood pressure, diabetes, prior heart disease) and treatments prompt evaluation, what tests a cardio-oncologist will order (echo, high-sensitivity troponin, EKG), and how oncologists, cardiologists, and primary care work together to decide if specialist follow-up is needed.

When should I take probiotics—during antibiotics, for IBS, or every day? Dr. Jasmine J Vayalil, DO, Board-certified family medicine physician at Franciscan Health, explains common timing and reasons to use probiotics. Hear why clinicians often recommend them during or after antibiotics to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and C. difficile, when they can ease IBS symptoms (bloating, gas, pain), and when to discuss long-term use with your provider. 

To learn more about Dr. Vayalil, go to Jasmine J Vayalil, DO | Franciscan Health 

Is my teen doing too much weight training? Kyle Meyer, DO, CAQSM, Board-certified Sports Medicine Physician with Franciscan Health, explains how to tell when training has crossed the line. You’ll learn age-based guidance, why coachability and proper technique matter, the role of rest and recovery, and common warning signs such as fatigue or repeated pain. Dr. Meyer also reviews benefits like improved strength and injury prevention and why balanced programming matters for long-term bone health.

"When should I see someone about my knee pain?" Knee pain evaluation is the topic. Nikhil Pandhi, DO, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine physician practicing at Franciscan Health, explains how clinicians decide when to evaluate knee pain. You’ll learn which symptoms (trouble walking, pain climbing stairs, swelling, focal pain with kneeling) warrant an exam, what an evaluation looks like (history, physical exam, X-rays), and the next steps—conservative care versus referral for surgical options.

This episode explains how low-dose radiation therapy works for osteoarthritis and why it matters for people looking for non-surgical treatment options. Dr. Sandeep Bhave, board-certified radiation oncologist at Franciscan Health, joins Scott Webb to describe mechanisms, candidacy, and real-world outcomes.
Dr. Bhave explains how low-dose radiation therapy reduces inflammation and provides joint pain relief for conditions such as osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, and hip bursitis. You’ll hear about treatment planning with CT simulation, expected timelines for symptom improvement, and how this option fits among conservative treatments like physical therapy and steroid injections. Learn about potential side effects, long-term risks, and insurance coverage including Medicare.
Learn more at franciscanhealth.org and search radiation therapy for osteoarthritis.

This episode explains how extracorporeal shockwave therapy works, who is a good candidate, and why it matters for people with persistent tendon pain. Dr. Blake Averill, board certified sports medicine specialist and medical director of Franciscan Health’s sports medicine program, walks through the science and patient experience. Learn about shockwave therapy, plantar fasciitis, tendinosis, non-invasive treatment, physical therapy, and Achilles tendinopathy in clear, practical terms.

For more information or to schedule an appointment 

Learn more about Dr. Averill and Shockwave Therapy